The second Romford Film Festival will officially open and showcase the best independently made films at Premiere Cinema in Romford this Thursday, May 24.

More than 120 films from 25 countries have been submitted to screen over the Bank Holiday Weekend, triple the amount of entries compared to last year.

Festival director and Havering resident, Joseph Sultana, advertised for entrants through social media and the Film Freeway website.

When asked the about the international response to the festival, he said: “Absolutely shocked. We have had animated films from Japan and short films from USA. The quality looks amazing.”

Joseph also revealed his plans to open a studio for independent filmmakers in central Romford for people looking to change their careers.

He stressed the importance of having an accessible place to support and showcase creative talent in Havering, he said: “There are great arts and crafts in this area. It puts a magnifying glass on the Romford map.”

A brand new panel of judges of leading producers, editors and composers have been selected from the film industry to present the Rommy Awards.

Awards for Best Director, Best Score and more will be handed out at the black tie event, concluding the five-day festival on Monday 28th May.

Joseph also gave special thanks to the Mercury Mall team for helping set up the latest event, he said: “They have been instrumental in running it, really pulled their finger out.”

Spencer Hawken, centre manager at the Mercury Mall added: “It’s a great chance for independent film makers to come together and get their films shown, I’ve taken submissions and we’ve given an opportunity to film makers to have their film shown on the big screen the festival shows off their creativity and talent”.

The Romford Film Foundation hosted the world premiere of Luke’s Goss’s first film, Your Move in The Mercury in January 2018 at a star studded event.

Goss will be showing Your Move again as part of the 2018 festival.

Romford Film Festival runs from May 24 - 28 and tickets are available to purchase at the Premiere Cinema in Romford.